We need to find the value of n in the first equation, so you would do:
- 17 = -3 - 2n
Add 3 to both sides to cancel the -3 in the side of the n variable
- 14 = -2n
Next divide to get rid of the -2 because it is multiplied by the -2
7 = n
54 = 17n - (-3)
Since you know that a negative times a negative transforms into a positive this is what it would look like:
54 = 17n + 3
Subtract 3
51 = 17n
Divide by 17 and n would be
n = 3